Riverwoods Sisters, Ages 5 and 9, Join Elite Mensa Organization

UPDATE: Two Lake County sisters, Pearle (5) and Gigi Albert (9), have just been accepted into the prestigious high-IQ organization, American Mensa, marking an impressive milestone for the family. The sisters, who recently completed childhood intelligence tests, are now part of a select group of gifted individuals, showcasing remarkable cognitive abilities.

The news comes as the sisters continue to embrace typical childhood activities, including playing with their pet bunny, Luna, and enjoying cartoons with friends. Their parents, Mark and Tara Albert, are committed to ensuring their daughters maintain a balanced childhood while challenging their intellect.

Tara Albert revealed that the journey began when Pearle demonstrated exceptional skills early on, excelling in reading and math. “Let’s have her tested,” Tara recalled thinking, leading to Pearle achieving a remarkable 140 IQ score, placing her in the 99th percentile. After seeing Pearle’s results, Gigi expressed curiosity about her own intelligence, leading to her also receiving a high score.

Recently, the family received Pearle’s Mensa membership card and are awaiting Gigi’s. The Alberts aim to connect with other families of gifted children to access valuable resources, despite not yet meeting anyone in similar circumstances. Currently, Pearle is enrolled in a private school, while Gigi attends public school.

Mark and Tara prioritize keeping their daughters academically engaged, meeting regularly with teachers to ensure their work remains challenging. Although a psychologist suggested enrolling the sisters in a gifted school, they chose to maintain their current educational paths. “We want them to grow up like regular kids,” Tara emphasized.

Mark added, “Are your kids happy and looking forward to going to school? That’s probably one of the most important things.” The family’s focus on happiness extends beyond academics, as Pearle and Gigi participate in various after-school activities, such as violin, piano, martial arts, and horseback riding.

Despite their busy schedules, Tara noted that the sisters still enjoy downtime. “On weekends, they would just sit in front of the TV and do nothing,” she said, highlighting the importance of balance in their lives.

Concerns often arise regarding how exceptionally bright children fit in socially, but the Alberts report no issues. Pearle has emerged as a leader in her class, with peers naturally gravitating towards her. Gigi, too, has a solid circle of friends. “It’s not what you would think of when you think of an overly intelligent child,” Mark remarked, noting their friendly and active demeanor.

The sisters share interests typical for their age, such as eagerly anticipating the new “Zootopia” movie and enjoying the animated series “KPop Demon Hunters.” However, they also express a vision for their futures, as Gigi has already dreamed of attending an Ivy League university.

As the Albert family navigates this exciting new chapter, they remain focused on fostering both happiness and intellect in their daughters. The journey of Pearle and Gigi Albert serves as an inspiring example of how families can support gifted children while allowing them to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood.